Is ‘Growing Better’ ripe for development? Creating an urban farm for social impact

Abstract

‘Growing Better’ is a micro-social enterprise Community Interest Company (CIC), based in the Leeds City Region (UK), which provides a supportive working environment for people with mental health issues at an urban farming facility. This case study explores the business model and informs the challenge of growing a social enterprise with limited human and technical resources. Findings suggest that the potential for growth lies with the social entrepreneur’s ability to harness external stakeholder support; however, any development of the venture should also inform the effective utilisation of resources through operations management. Practically the case explores how aspirations for social and environmental impact drives the need to acquire and manage resources effectively and efficiently.